Sony Launches Xperia Z3+ in UK

Sony has launched its new Xperia Z3+ flagship in the United Kingdom, and continuing a recent trend from the company in that region, there are some free goodies to sweeten the deal. The handset will be available across all major networks and will come a free pair of high-res Sony headphones and a three month subscription to the Jay-Z founded Tidal music streaming service.

Carphone Warehouse has revealed its payment plans across carriers and the retailer will also offer an exclusive Ice Green colored Xperia Z3+. The company will sell the device for £549 ($873) off contract, with deals starting at £40 per month over two years for the handset to be free on either O2, Orange, or Vodafone.

Here's what we had to say about the Xperia Z3+ at launch.

This is not the Xperia Z4 with a different name, it really is an improved Z3, and for us that is actually a good thing. We think Sony should have done more with the Xperia Z4, but by adding that little + to the Xperia Z3 name the company is saying, "This device is current, but it is not an overhaul of the flagship line". In other words, this handset will keep us busy until the company launches another flagship later in the year.

Of course, the Xperia Z3 was a very good smartphone, delivering plenty of quality with only a few caveats. Design is possibly one of the low points here, but we say that cautiously and it really does come down to taste. There is no doubt that the Xperia Z3+ (like its predecessor) oozes premium with its two glass panels sandwiching a metal frame and sides. It is a striking smartphone and we know plenty who think the Xperia Z3 is a design triumph, so those people will be happy to see the Xperia Z3+ arrive with no aesthetic changes. While we would be stupid to outright deride the design here, we do think that Sony's flagship range could do with a slight refresh as the move from Xperia Z to Z3+ or indeed Xperia Z4 has been minimal in terms of looks. It is worth noting that this device is thinner than the Xperia Z3, 6.9mm compared to 7.3mm.

As for specs, it's a mix of been there, done that and brand new. The Xperia Z3+ retains the 5.2-inch 1080p screen found on the Z3, it is the exact same panel meaning no Quad HD market pushing display. That is hardly a major gripe considering we still get plenty of joy from a good 1080p screen, which this is. Under the hood things are improved, with Qualcomm's troublesome Snapdragon 810 making its way to the Xperia Z3+ with 3GB of RAM, a 20.7 megapixel rear camera, and an improved 5 megapixel front facing lens also along for the ride.

Sony has also improved the waterproofing, with an IP68 rating meaning this can be submerged in water up to 3 meters (9 feet) deep. Considering the Xperia Z3 is being updated to Android 5.0 Lollipop, we imagine that the Xperia Z3+ will get Lollipop out of the box.

The Z3 had an amazing battery, with Sony squeezing every last drop out of the 3100 mAh juicer to ensure market leading battery performance (we mean market leading too). To make the Xperia Z3+ thinner, the Japanese company decided to reduce the pack to 2900 mAh, but apparently improvements in other areas will mean the Z3+ is equally impressive in terms of battery life. Sony says it will last for two days, obviously we will have to wait to get the device in hand to prove that, but the company has been spot on in this department before.

About the author

Luke JonesLuke Jones is the Managing Editor at MobileBurn.com and is the person you need to speak to about the content on the site. Luke studied creative writing at degree level before carving out a reputation as a freelance tech writer. He settled here at MobileBurn, where he reviews devices and contributes to the news, as well as overseeing the site's content and direction.